This museum is the home to a very important collection of maritime history relating to the role that Paeroa played as a port for unloading mining machinery and equipment in the late 19th century when the goldfields of Waihi and Karangahake were being developed and mined. The vast amounts of gold that were gained from these goldfields were then shipped out of the area via these ports on site and the ports in town.

Paeroa is the farthest inland port in New Zealand?

The original Ohinemuri Council Wharf was established in Wharf Street. With the introduction of rail to Paeroa, this wharf was built a little further up stream from the original Ohinemuri Council Wharf, but the later construction of the first railway bridge meant that vessels had to lower their funnels to pass under the bridge which limited access to the larger vessels.

Today it is hard to visualise this, as there were no built up stop banks in those days so the vessels were able to berth alongside the wharves.

Bigger. Bolder. Brighter. Come along and be amazed at the spectacular display of lights dancing to music, the laser light show, and discover the Amazing Magical Museum... I wonder what is happening at the North Pole?